We visited this Souq on a Friday afternoon. Friday the main day of prayer so this is like a Sunday afternoon for us at home. We happened across a large gathering of men who were participating in an auction. We couldn't help but stop and watch for a little while. Of course we had no idea what they were saying but we got the jist. This appeared to be a wealthy crowd (gold cuff links on their dishdasha!) and yet they were bidding on what to us was "junk". items for sale included old record players and transitor radios! It appear to be some entertainment on a "Sunday" afternoon.
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| These men are making purchases at a dishdasha shop. The sign out front would typically say "Gents Tailoring!" |
Of all the Souqs we have traipsed through this one in Doha was by far the nicest. There was a separate Gold Souq, a Spice/Housewares Souq and the Falcon Souq (see separate post!) It is a the site of a very old souq. Parts have been saved and restored while other parts were new. It contained several boutique hotels and many restaurants that appeared to be very nice and inviting. I also had several cafes where sheesha was offered. I wanted to get a picture but we are asked to never photograph without permission and I just couldn't find an opportunity to ask! Sheesha is a non narcotic water pipe which is inhaled through a gurgling contraption. People sit and smoke these pipes as a past time. My tour book said that the various governments periodically ban this practice not because it is harmful but because it is deemed a worthless pastime. On this "Sunday" afternoon there were quite a few men and one woman that we saw smoking sheesha!
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